Armed man confronted supermarket staff

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A 62-year-old man has been arrested by Oamaru police on a holding charge of burglary after an incident at a Wansbeck St supermarket this morning.

Oamaru Police Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy said police received a call from staff at New World supermarket about 4.30am after a local man, who was armed with a firearm, smashed a front door of the premises and confronted four bakery staff members who were present.

Police arrived shortly afterward and evacuated the premises, also closing State Highway 1 to ensure public safety.

The Dunedin Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) was also called in; however, Mr McCoy said the man gave himself up to Oamaru police at 6.05am, before AOS members arrived.

Mr McCoy said the man was likely to face further charges.

''The man has been arrested and is currently being spoken to and charges will be laid at the conclusion of those enquiries.''

No one was injured as a result of the incident, which Mr McCoy described as a ''fantastic'' result.

New World owner/operator Justin Smith said the store opened as usual at 7am, but bread production was delayed due to the incident.

Mr Smith praised the quick actions of the four staff working in the bakery at the time and was thankful they were not injured.

''They are now assisting police with their investigation into the incident, but we are operating as normal,'' he said.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing and a decision on charges is expected to be made later today.